Kazakh Center Empowers Women Entrepreneurs

The Asian Development Bank (ADB)-funded Women Entrepreneurship Development Center in Almaty has emerged as a driving force in assisting women-led small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) in Kazakhstan. According to the ADB press office, women make up around 43% of all SMEs in the nation.

The center, which opened in October 2021, focused on giving specialized help to female entrepreneurs by providing individualized training, mentorship, and networking opportunities. The facility, which has an all-female staff, is intended to serve the unique requirements of women in business.

Initially implemented in three sites in 2021, the project has grown to encompass 20 centers functioning within branches of Atameken, Kazakhstan's National Chamber of Entrepreneurs.

To present, the center has influenced around 7,000 female entrepreneurs, with goals to reach over 15,000 women by 2025 through specialized training and capacity-building activities.

Kamila, a 37-year-old Almaty native and upcycling aficionado, is one such success story. Kamila sought assistance from the center after beginning her business in August 2021. The center gave her vital business skills, assisting her in developing good financial models, strong marketing techniques, and access to financing sources.

Kamila's story exemplifies the great effects that may be obtained with focused assistance. Recognizing the effectiveness of the ADB-funded centers, the Kazakh government has allocated $6 million in financing from the national budget for the next three years, demonstrating a commitment to achieving gender equality and empowering women as change agents.

Nariman Mannapbekov, ADB Country Director for Kazakhstan, stressed the need of investing in women's entrepreneurship to reduce the gender wage gap and build inclusion across Asia and the Pacific. Kamila's narrative shows the transformational power of such focused activities in fostering a resilient and inclusive society.